POSTILLION Management Bulletin - Disability Discrimination


On October 1st significant changes were made to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). These changes are intended to broaden the scope and application of the Act to address a wider range of circumstances where consideration for less able individuals needs to be applied. This includes employees, potential employees, and anyone who could reasonably require access to their services. From October 1st all businesses will need to make reasonable provision for disabled people, such as by providing extra help or making changes to their working environment.

One underlying issue appears to be that disability is a wide-ranging issue; Disability is not simply about wheelchairs. Issues that need to be considered include:

Mobility
Impairment of speech, hearing or eyesight
Manual dexterity
The ability to lift, or carry
Physical co-ordination
Continence
Memory and the ability to concentrate
Understanding of the risk of physical danger

A recent survey has shown that about 16% of British Businesses are still not taking action to meet the minimum requirements of the Act, and many more are not taking adequate measures to address the full range of responsibilities. Failure to meet these requirements leaves them open to claims for discrimination, where they could be facing unlimited fines.

If you want to know more about the Disability Discrimination Act, check out the information at www.disability.gov.uk, or contact us for practical help and support to meet the requirements of the revised act.

Bill Jones
POSTILLION Business Management Support
Tel: 01494 451239
Independent Advice and Support
Executive Associate, Institute for Independent Business